Peer Advisor for Academic Matters

The Peer Advisor for Academic Matters is a free and confidential service offered through SOGS to help graduate students navigate any issues related to their academic success. The Peer Advisor position is occupied by a current Western University graduate student who has been hired by a selection panel composed of the SOGS Vice-President Academic, the SOGS Membership Services Manager, the outgoing Peer Advisor, and an additional SOGS Executive member. 

The Peer Advisor is trained in university academic policies, procedures, and peer-support approaches through the safeTALK program, the Center for Teaching and Learning’s Leadership in Wellness program, Equity & Human Rights Services, as well as Student Experience’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity training modules. 

The Peer Advisor is responsible for providing suggestions, resources, and support including but not limited to: 

• Academic Appeals (course or examination marks)
• Scholastic Discipline and Appeals (cheating, plagiarism, falsified documentation)
• The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) Regulations such as:
  • Program Admissions
  • Registration Status (Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, Full-time/Part-time) 
  • Funding (institutional, provincial, international, Tri-council) 
  • Supervision and supervisory conflicts (role expectations and requirements, changing a supervisor) 
  • Program Milestones (comprehensive exam, thesis submission, thesis 
• PSAC 610/Graduate Teaching Assistants(benefits, resources, Center for Teaching and Learning, GTA training)
• Research Roles (Graduate Fellowships/Graduate Student Assistantships payment, role outlines, tax deductions)
• Professional Development (writing support, workshops, Western Connect) 
• Accessibility(Academic accommodations)
• Campus resources(financial aid, mental health services)